Recent data has shown how Australians are embracing new ways to get active, with a shift from traditional club-based sports to informal activities in parks, streets, and backyards. Sporting organizations are adapting to this trend by introducing more inclusive and flexible options for people of all ages and abilities.
The Australian Sports Commission’s (ASC) latest AusPlay survey provides the first-ever insights into where Australians engage in physical activities and who they do it with. The survey highlights that sports like basketball, football (soccer), rugby league, and cricket are well-positioned to grow their participation base.
Notably, nearly half (47%) of basketball players in Australia participate informally, rather than in structured competitions. To meet this demand, Basketball Australia has launched non-traditional programs, such as the 3×3 basketball format and social competitions that include walking and wheelchair basketball. They also introduced the Ability Hoops program to ensure accessibility for people of all abilities.
Similarly, Football Australia, the National Rugby League, and Cricket Australia are evolving by offering alternative formats of the game, catering to kids, women, seniors, and people with disabilities.
The AusPlay survey also reveals significant trends in how and where Australians choose to get active. A large number of adults are now exercising outdoors, with local parks, streets, and beaches becoming popular venues. Informal activities like running or walking with family and friends are especially common, reflecting a shift towards more flexible, unstructured exercise routines.
The data also emphasizes the importance of public spaces, with 61% of adults getting active outdoors, 29% exercising at home, and 28% visiting gyms or sports centers. ASC CEO Kieren Perkins welcomed the results, pointing out the diversity of ways Australians are staying fit.
“Whether it’s a solo run, a casual game of footy with friends at the park, or a weekly netball match, it’s great to see so many Australians finding opportunities to stay active,” said Perkins. “Being part of a sporting community benefits both physical and mental health, which is why it’s vital that sports continue to evolve and create inclusive opportunities for all.”
Perkins also stressed the need for more accessible spaces for physical activity. “We must ensure there are enough places for people to get active at times that suit them. This is a priority of the Play Well Strategy, which aims to break down barriers and ensure everyone has a chance to participate in sport.”
The data, gathered between July 2023 and December 2024, includes responses from over 60,000 adults and 13,000 children. Key findings include:
- Informal activities, like running or walking, are more popular than organized sports for both men and women.
- More than 11 million Australian adults (51%) participated in some form of sport.
- Nearly six million adults (26%) played organized sports.
- Around 1.3 million children are involved in sports through clubs, in addition to school activities.
- Four million adults engage in organized sports or physical activities at public spaces or free community facilities.
- Men are more likely to participate in sports clubs or associations, while women tend to participate more in gyms or private fitness centers.
- 85% of Australian adults are active, with almost half (48%) exercising at least three times a week.
- Full-time students (91%) are the most active group, while those with disabilities (68%), the unemployed (71%), and retirees (75%) are the least likely to participate.
This new data underscores the growing trend of informal and flexible physical activities, as well as the crucial role of public spaces in promoting an active lifestyle.
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